Choose Your Program
Select the program that works best for you. It might surprise you just how affordable it can be!
Basic
$550
or $137 / month (x4)
Your own private room
Free meals with your host family
Weekly pay of $190 USD
2 free days per week
A network of friends
Chance to experience another culture
Valuable professional experience
Full support while abroad
Flights not included
Premium
$2499
or $312 / month (8)
Your own private room
Free meals with your host family
Weekly pay of $190 USD
2 free days per week
A network of friends
Chance to experience another culture
Valuable professional experience
Full support while abroad
Round-trip international flight included
Compare with
Off Campus Living
$15,900 / 6 mos.
$2,650+ / month
Tuition, $1,700 +
Rent, $550 +
Meals at home, $200 +
Transportation, $200 +
What’s not included?
- Passport + ID photos
- Visa cost (about $400 USD)
- Travel insurance
- Shopping
- Extra travel
- Extra-curricular activities
Going to Australia was the biggest and most rewarding adventure of my life (so far)! I pushed myself to go do things by myself and to make friends which as an adult can be harder to do. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend time there soaking up the culture and the sunshine.
The little museums and city tours are so fun and always worth it! Each city in Australia has such a fun and rich culture that is waiting to be uncovered.
The food is so good and to this day I think about the sausage rolls. I miss the fresh fish and chips and the calamari!
I loved the local art museums. I had many amazing moments of clarify and self realization there which I never thought I would because I’m not a very big art person….All the beaches are worth seeing at least once if not more.
– Ashley
There were so many opportunities that I took advantage of when it came to different events, parties, etc. that lead me to meet new people from all over the world. I actually met a girl that lived about 20 houses down from me that was from Georgia and we became the best of friends. It was really comforting. It can be scary to do new things in a whole new world with not knowing a single person but I know if I didn’t then I wouldn’t have had the same exciting experience that I did.
Something that really made me appreciate everything was how cool it was to be able to say I actually did this in my lifetime. Also, think about how many people can really say I went to live in Australia (not vacation) for x amount of months.
– Taylor
Living with a host family in another country taught me so much. I learned more about myself, my home culture, and the world at large.
It wasn’t always easy and I definitely felt out of my comfort zone often. But I’m so glad I did it because I grew in ways that would have been difficult or impossible to achieve by staying at home.
Living abroad is something I highly recommend because it really is a life-changing and life-shaping experience.
– Sara
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to apply?
You might be a great fit for our program if the following sounds like you:
- Native or fluent English speaker
- Experience working with kids (babysitting, nannying, teaching, tutoring, coaching, etc.)
- Willing to get out of your comfort zone and start a new adventure
- Happy, friendly, caring, energetic, respectful and organized
Bonus if you’re willing to drive on the other side of the road!
When should I apply?
We accept applications up to 12 months in advance. The earlier you apply, the more options you have. Some other benefits of applying early include:
- Lock in current pricing
- More host family options
- More time to buy flights (read: cheaper flights)
- Less rush for placement
Can I get intership / college credit?
Yes, you can. However, this depends on your specific college’s requirements. We recommend meeting with a school counselor to see if it can work. We are happy to work with you if extra requirements are necessary.
How much of the program cost is due at onboarding? Do I have it pay it all upfront? ?
A $100 deposit (about 20% of the total basic program cost) is due at the onboarding meeting. This goes towards to program cost and is not an extra fee.
If you don’t have an accepting host family more than 60 days before your departure (or 15 days after your profile is completed—whichever is sooner), this deposit is fully refundable. You don’t have to pay it all upfront, but the full amount is due before you leave. We also have payment plans if that is easier for you.
Can I go with a friend?
Yes you can! Although we can’t guarantee you will be placed in the same neighborhood as your friend, we do our best to get you with host families who live closer and are a still a great individual fit.
Can I go before I turn 20?
You can apply ahead to reserve your spot, but an Outbacker must be at least 20 years of age before participating in the program.
Do I need a passport?
You are welcome to apply without a passport, but you will need one before you leave. If you don’t have one yet, we recommend applying for one as soon as possible in case there are any delays. You can start filling out the necessary forms and schedule your appointment online.
We generally recommend getting passport photos at Walgreen’s but there are other options as well (Costco, Walmart, etc.).
Do I need to apply for a visa?
Yes, in order to participate in the program, you will need the 462 Work and Holiday Visa which is legally required for this type of experience. We’ll guide you through the process after you are onboarded. It is fairly straightforward, all online, and costs about $400 (AUD $650).
Is Australian Adventures the right program for me?
Of course you want to travel the world, but our program isn’t just a vacation. We’re looking for Outbackers who are:
- Excited about working with kids. When you do well with your host kids, your host family can feel like your second family. This warm regard ripples out to all of your experiences in the Land Down Under.
- Open to a new culture and lifestyle. When in Rome, do as the Romans — or in this case, Australians — do. This means adjusting to different foods and ways of life.
- Full of integrity. Many families have their Outbacker track their own hours and/or provide pocket money for outings with the kids. Both instances require a caretaker who isn’t just responsible, but also honest and trustworthy.
Do I have to be a college student to apply?
No, you don’t have to be enrolled in college to apply. We’ve matched plenty of young adults who haven’t been to college and they had a great experience abroad.
Who can I use for my references?
If you pass the initial screening (as 90% of applicants do), you’ll be asked to fill out an assessment — kind of like a mini background check. Part of this assessment requests 2-3 non-family references, to whom we will reach out regarding your application. We recommend references who know your childcare experience and skills, as well as your character.
Launch Yourself Into The Future
Ready to explore new places, meeting amazing people, and create memories that will last a lifetime?
Start your journey today!
